The Great Mosque of Córdoba

The Mesquite de Córdoba (the Great Mosque of Córdoba) is one of those places that you need to visit at least once in your life.

Technically both a Mosque and a Cathedral, the original Mosque was built in 784, and has been extended greatly over the years. 

Upon Córdoba's return as a Christian ruled city in the 13th century, the Mosque was adapted to become a Roman-Catholic Church, but the beautiful architecture remained. 

It is €10 to enter this amazing structure, and an additional €2 to climb the tower (though be warned, only small groups are allowed up at any one time and the queues can be very long). You can also take a night tour for €18. 

You purchase your tickets in the stunning Orange Tree Court Yard in the Centre of the Mosque, which is quite a pleasant place to spend your time queueing. 

After sitting out in the courtyard for a while, enjoying the sun and a couple of cold beers we had sneaked in, we set off inside. I was so utterly excited to see this Mosque (it has been high up on my places to see for a long time), but every photo I had seen and wiki page I had read did it no real justice.

Arched columns stretch throughout, golden decorations sparkle on the walls and original tiles fill the much of the floors. 

The high ceilings and sheer scale of everything make you feel so small as you step through. To think this building is well over 1000 years old constantly amazes me. The engineering and architecture is something that I personally think cannot be beaten by any modern building. 

You can take tours inside the Mosque, or as we did, just wander around and stare in awe at the wonder of it all. 

I could have spent all day there, just taking every last bit in and people watching between the pillars, but unfortunately we had to head off to catch our train. 

Choosing the long way round and taking a final wander around the outside, we slowly headed off to the train station, making the most of every step, dipping in and out of alleyways and exploring beautiful restaurants that we passed by.

Vowing we would be back one day, for more of Antonio's charm and flamenquin, we stepped on board the cool train and headed off into the countryside.